The Public Education Foundation offers a range of scholarships to help students at public schools reach their potential

All scholarship applications for 2026 will be open from Monday, 2 June 2025 and close at 5:00pm on:

  • Primary – Friday, 26 September 2025
  • Secondary – Friday, 19 September 2025
  • Tertiary – Wednesday, 27 August 2025

The scholarships listed below are made possible through donations. Please note that funding can vary, so be sure to check back often and subscribe to our newsletter, as we may add more scholarships as they become available.

Scholarship Location School Year Overview Status
David S Ratner Scholarship NSW K-6 Provides support to public school students facing financial hardship, helping them reach their academic potential through essential educational resources. Preference is given to students who identify as Jewish and demonstrate a strong commitment to their education and school life. Open
Patricia Long Conservatorium High School Scholarship NSW 6-7 Provides support to talented young musicians whose financial situation might otherwise limit their ability to attend the Sydney’s Conservatorium High School. The scholarship helps cover costs such as musical tuition, instruments, and educational resources, supporting students as long as they maintain satisfactory progress and attendance. Open
Rural and Remote Indigenous Primary Scholarship Australia-wide 2-6 Provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in rural or remote public primary schools, helping them thrive academically from Years 2 to 6. The scholarship assists with essential educational resources and services to improve learning outcomes and support student engagement. Open
Una May Smith Scholarship NSW K-6 Supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in NSW public schools to help them succeed in school and transition into tertiary education or training. The scholarship can be used for a range of educational expenses, including technology, uniforms, tutoring, and school-related activities. Open
Vorsay Scholarship NSW 2-6 Provides support to NSW public primary school students from Years 2 to 6, helping to overcome financial barriers to educational success. It is designed for students with strong potential who need assistance with essential learning resources such as technology, books, tutoring, and school-related expenses. Open
Waratah Education Foundation Primary Scholarship NSW 5-6 For students entering Year 5, supporting them through Years 5 and 6 to help overcome financial disadvantage. The scholarship funds assist with essential learning resources and school-related expenses to ensure full participation in primary school education. Open
Waratah Education Foundation Secondary Transition Scholarship NSW 6 Supports students entering Year 7 for two years, which includes a refurbished laptop, to help them thrive in high school. Aimed at students facing financial disadvantage, it assists with educational resources and services to support their early secondary education journey. Open 10 June
Scholarship Location School Year Overview Status
Aboriginal Education Council Scholarship NSW 11-12 Supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in NSW public schools during Years 11 and 12 to help them complete their senior secondary education. It provides funding for essential educational resources and encourages students to pursue further study or vocational training after school. Open
Acacia Program Scholarship – Ballarat VIC VIC 11-12 Supports high potential Year 10 students for Years 11 and 12 in the Ballarat region of Victoria access financial support, mentoring and career advice. It aims to remove financial barriers and inspire students through connections with successful public school alumni working across diverse career paths. Open
Acacia Program Scholarship – Glenrock Region NSW NSW 11-12 Supports high-potential Year 10 students for Years 11 and 12, experiencing disadvantage at Hunter Sports High School, Kotara High School, and Whitebridge High School, providing a bursary over two years along with mentoring and career guidance. It aims to help students complete high school and explore diverse career pathways by connecting them with successful alumni from similar backgrounds. Open
Acacia Program Scholarship – Remote WA WA 11-12 Supports high-potential Year 10 students for Years 11 and 12, attending public high schools in the Goldfields, Kimberley, Mid-West, East Pilbara, and West Pilbara regions, offering financial support, access to mentoring and career advice. It aims to help students facing disadvantage complete their schooling and explore diverse career paths by connecting them with inspiring public school alumni. Open
Acacia Program Scholarship – Rural NSW NSW 11-12 Provides financial support and mentoring to high-potential Year 10 students for Years 11 and 12, attending selected public high schools in the Deniliquin region, Far West region, or Inverell. It aims to support students experiencing disadvantage by helping them stay in school, complete the HSC, and explore future career opportunities through a strong alumni network. Open
Acacia Program Scholarship – Shoalhaven Region NSW NSW 11-12 Provides financial support and mentoring to high-potential Year 10 students for Years 11 and 12, attending public high schools in Bombaderry, Kiama, Nowra, Shoalhaven, Ulladulla, or Vincentia. It supports students facing disadvantage to complete their HSC and explore diverse career options through connections with successful public school alumni. Open
Capital Chemist Scholarship ACT 12 Provides financial support to Year 12 students at ACT public secondary colleges and specialist schools to support their final year of education. Students can apply under one of three categories – Academic Excellence, Citizenship, or Capital Chemist – based on their achievements, community involvement, or demonstrated need. Open
Connected Communities Scholarship NSW 8-12 Supports students in Years 8-12 at selected Connected Communities public high schools in regional NSW who are experiencing disadvantage and have a passion for learning, technology, sport, or the creative and performing arts. It helps students pursue their interests by funding educational and extracurricular expenses. Open
David S Ratner Scholarship NSW 7-12 Supports NSW public secondary students facing financial hardship, who identify as Jewish. The scholarship assists with school-related expenses like technology, textbooks, tutoring, and excursions, aiming to help students thrive academically despite disadvantage. Secondary student applicants must demonstrate educational potential, participation in school life, and a positive attitude toward learning. Open
Emorgo Scholarship for Music NSW 7-9 Provides support to talented young musicians attending the Conservatorium High School, either as a new Year 7 student in the Junior Vocal Stream or as a current Year 7-9 woodwind or French Horn student. The scholarship assists with musical and educational expenses, including tuition, instruments, and school-related costs. Applicants must demonstrate strong musical potential and a clear commitment to their studies at the Conservatorium High School. Open
Fennell Scholarship for Girls in STEM NSW 11-12 Supports female students from Greater Western Sydney public schools who are passionate about science, technology, engineering, or maths and are experiencing financial hardship. The scholarship is open to Year 10 students applying for Years 11 and 12, with a preference for applicants from refugee backgrounds. Open 10 June
Friends of Zainab Senior Secondary Scholarship Australia-wide 11-12 Provides support to refugee students in public schools as they complete their HSC studies in Years 11 and 12. Applicants must demonstrate financial or personal disadvantage, a commitment to learning, and a desire to pursue tertiary education. Open
Lilly Murphy Memorial Scholarship VIC 11-12 Provides financial support to students in Years 11 and 12, attending Victorian public schools, who are passionate about equity and social justice. It assists with educational costs and includes access to mentoring and Studiosity (online, on-demand academic support service) to help students reach their full potential. Open
Manifold Road Creative Scholarship NSW 11-12 Provides support to senior secondary students from Western Sydney public schools who aspire to pursue careers in graphic design, visual arts, or marketing. Funded by the Houston Group, the scholarship supports students experiencing disadvantage by assisting with school-related expenses and encouraging their creative development. Open
Mrin and Prakash Nayagam Victorian Secondary Scholarship VIC 7-12 Provides ongoing support to refugee or Indigenous students entering Year 7 at a Victorian public secondary school. The scholarship is for students experiencing financial hardship who demonstrate a positive attitude, strong attendance, and the potential to succeed throughout their high school journey. Open 10 June
PEF National Secondary Scholarship Australia-wide 10-12 Provides financial support to high school students in Years 10 to 12 who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, refugees, or experiencing financial hardship. Open to students in Australian public schools, the scholarship helps cover school-related expenses and supports students to stay engaged in education and pursue further study. Open
Rural and Remote Indigenous Secondary Scholarship Australia-wide 11-12 Provides financial support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in rural or remote public schools as they complete Years 11 and 12. It helps cover educational costs and encourages students to stay engaged in school, pursue their goals, and maintain strong connections with their communities. Open
Una May Smith Scholarship NSW 6-12 Supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in NSW public schools from Kindergarten to Year 11, with funding to help cover education-related expenses. Named in honour of educator Una May Smith, the scholarship aims to empower students to complete their schooling and pursue further study or training. Open
Unions NSW Jeff Shaw Memorial Scholarship NSW 12 Provides financial support Year 12 students in NSW public schools who are studying subjects like Economics, Business Studies, Legal Studies or Modern History. The scholarship recognises students who embody the values of the union movement and need support to reach their academic and career potential. Open
VET in Schools Scholarship Australia-wide 9-11 Provides financial support to students in Years 9-11 who are pursuing vocational education through their public high school. The scholarship helps students experiencing financial hardship to continue VET studies at school and beyond, with funding available for education-related costs including tools, technology, and work placements. Open
Waratah Education Foundation Secondary Transition Scholarship NSW 7-8 Supports students in Years 7 and 8, attending NSW public schools who are facing financial disadvantage. The scholarship includes two years of support to help with school expenses – and a refurbished laptop – to ensure a strong start to high school. Open
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport First Nations Secondary School Scholarship NSW 11-12 Supports First Nations students from Western Sydney public schools as they enter Year 11 in 2026 and continue to Year 12. Each student receives financial support across two years to help them stay engaged in school, participate fully in their learning, and pursue future goals. Open 10 June
Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue Scholarship NSW 11-12 Provides support to Year 10 students from Western Sydney public high schools as they transition into Years 11 and 12. The scholarship assists students facing disadvantage to access educational resources and reach their full potential through continued study and community engagement. Open
Woodcock Family Scholarship NSW 11-12 Supports high-potential Year 10 students from Muswellbrook, Scone, or Singleton High Schools in the Upper Hunter Valley who are experiencing hardship. The scholarship also includes mentoring and career advice to help students complete their HSC and explore further study or training. Open
Scholarship Location School Year Overview Status
Australia for UNHCR Beddie Scholarship at AFTRS Australia-wide 12 Supports students from a refugee background to study the Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production at the prestigious Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS). It covers full tuition, living expenses, and includes a vocational pathway and internship with Australia for UNHCR. Applicants must demonstrate creative storytelling ability, a commitment to the creative industries, and be able to articulate how their refugee experience shapes their voice as a storyteller. Open 18 June
Friends of Zainab Tertiary Scholarship Australia-wide 12 Provides financial support to refugee students from Australian public schools as they transition from Year 12 to full-time study at university or TAFE. The scholarship helps cover education essentials and supports students who have experienced disadvantage to pursue their career goals through further education. Open
National Rural and Remote Tertiary Scholarship Australia-wide 12 Supports Year 12 students from regional, rural, or remote public schools across Australia who plan to study full-time at TAFE or university. The scholarship helps cover education-related expenses and supports students facing hardship as they pursue further study. Open
National Tertiary Scholarship Australia-wide 12 Provides financial support to Year 12 students from metropolitan public schools across Australia as they transition to full-time university or TAFE study. It assists students experiencing hardship with education-related expenses and includes a relocation allowance (if required). Open
NSW Cookery Association Scholarship ACT, NSW, QLD and VIC 12 Supports Year 12 public school students from ACT, NSW, QLD or VIC who plan to study a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) with a major in Food Technology. The scholarship assists with university expenses over three years and encourages recipients to return to teach in the NSW public school system. Open
NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association Scholarship NSW 12 Supports Year 12 students from NSW public schools who plan to study nursing or midwifery full-time at TAFE NSW or NSW public university for up to three years (plus a possible relocation allowance). The scholarship assists students facing hardship to pursue a career in healthcare. Open
Walter and Eliza Hall Trust Scholarship ACT, NSW, QLD and VIC 12 Supports Year 12 students from ACT, NSW, QLD or VIC public schools who have a permanent physical disability and plan to study on-campus at a public university. The scholarship helps cover educational and disability-related expenses to support successful transition into tertiary education. Open